LANAP

In laser periodontal therapy, a laser is used to provide access to the pockets around the teeth that have gum disease. This procedure is known as LANAP (laser assisted new attachment procedure). After the first pass with the laser, the roots of the teeth are cleaned free of plaque and tartar. The laser emits short pulses of energy at specific frequencies to remove infected tissue and kill the disease causing bacteria. The laser is then used again to complete the debridement process and create a blood clot between the tooth and gum tissue. The blood clot traps stem cells that will eventually become new bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum. This restores the very same tissues that were lost due to the gum disease.

There are no incisions and no sutures are needed. There is no recovery time and there is little or no pain associated with the procedure.

Several studies have shown an association between gum disease and heart disease. However, a cause and effect relationship has not been established. Both gum disease and heart disease are inflammatory conditions. Untreated gum disease can cause inflammation throughout the body. This systemic inflammation may increase the risk for development of heart disease. More research is needed to confirm this and is currently ongoing.